I'm having a homebirth and am undecided Wither to have my 3 year old son there or not. He's has watched videos of women giving birth and I have explained what will happen. When asked he says he wants to be there when the baby is born. Opinions?

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I personally wouldn't especially in the pushing phase, it's intense and focus would be on you. I'd also worry about his feelings when you first bond with baby. But again that's me, there's no right answer just different ways and you know your kid best.

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Maybe have another older family member keep him in another room until baby is out. At three he probably doesn't understand everything that will be going on. If it were me I would probably find him a nuscence while trying to give birth.

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Yay for home births! We are using a freestanding birth center and our daughter will almost be 3 when the baby is here. She understands a lot and has seen videos as well. If we had decided on a homebirth I would like to keep her with me until transition. Baking, playing, bathing, or resting with your child will be awesome during labor and I plan on having her at the house with me as long as can before we leave for the center. Having another adult there that isn't your partner to watch your oldest if they become uninterested or it's too much for you would probably be best so your partner isn't torn between helping you or taking care of them. 💗

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I think its a great idea! Just know that if your child starts getting uncomfortable, they will want to leave and that is ok :) Birth is intense for everyone involved

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I think it's great to have siblings at the birth, but I would definitely have a backup plan in place in case he gets scared. All this really has to be is having a relative there to take him out of the room and keep him calm and occupied if need be. 
I think most kids, especially the youger ones, tend to be just fine and mostly fascinated by the whole process.

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I used to work in a maternity hospital and saw lots of women in labour and giving birth it never bothered me. The day my sister went into labour I rushed over to see her but could hardly stay in the same room whilst she was having contractions. Seeing someone you love in pain is very different from seeing a stranger in pain. It's entirely your choice and whatever you decide is right

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I've heard of little ones being at the birth of a sibling and they weren't traumatized or scarred for life. I personally couldn't do it but that's just me. My answer was give it a try and have a backup in case something were to happen, it takes to long and he gets bored or if he just seems to no be taking it very well.

I'm having a homebirth and am undecided Wither to have my 3 year old son there or not. He's has watched videos of women giving birth and I have explained what will happen. When asked he says he wants to be there when the baby is born. Opinions?

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